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Quesabirria Tacos Recipe

Quesabirria Tacos Recipe: Flavorful Mexican Street Food at Home

Quesabirria tacos are a delightful fusion of cheesy quesadillas and savory birria, a traditional Mexican beef stew. These tacos are beloved for their rich, flavorful filling and the crispy, golden exterior that comes from dipping the tortillas in the savory birria broth before grilling. This recipe will guide you through making these mouth-watering tacos at home, perfect for any meal or gathering.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 white onion, roughly chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Beef broth or water
  • Corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Season the Beef:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Add the chopped white onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
  1. Add Liquid:
  • Pour in enough beef broth or water to just cover the meat. Add the cinnamon stick for extra depth of flavor.
  1. Cook the Beef:
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 2: Shred the Beef

  1. Remove and Shred:
  • Remove the beef from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into small pieces.
  1. Reserve the Broth:
  • Strain and reserve the cooking liquid (broth). This flavorful broth will be used to dip the tortillas and tacos.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Dip the Tortillas:
  • Dip each tortilla into the hot beef broth to soften them and infuse them with flavor.
  1. Fill the Tortillas:
  • Place a generous amount of shredded beef onto each tortilla. Add any desired toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced onions, and shredded cheese.
  1. Grill the Tacos:
  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the filled tortillas on the skillet and cook until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  1. Optional Dipping:
  • For extra flavor, you can dip the assembled tacos in the reserved beef broth before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve:
    • Serve the quesabirria tacos hot, accompanied by lime wedges and additional broth for dipping.
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Tips for Perfect Quesabirria Tacos

  • Choose the Right Meat: Beef chuck roast or brisket are ideal for their marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and spices will enhance the flavor of your birria.
  • Don’t Skip the Broth: The reserved beef broth is key for adding moisture and flavor to the tortillas and assembled tacos.
  • Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños.

FAQs

What is Birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican stew made with beef, goat, or lamb, slow-cooked with spices and served with tortillas. It’s known for its rich, savory flavor and tender meat.

Can I Make Quesabirria Tacos Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the beef and assemble the tacos.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Quesabirria Tacos?

Reheat the shredded beef in the reserved broth on the stovetop. Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos as usual. For a crispy exterior, you can reheat assembled tacos in a skillet.

Can I Use Corn or Flour Tortillas?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well for quesabirria tacos. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor and texture, while flour tortillas are softer and slightly chewy.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The reserved broth can be stored separately. Reheat both before serving.

Can I Freeze Quesabirria Tacos?

You can freeze the shredded beef and broth in separate containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling the tacos.

What Can I Serve with Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria tacos pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad. Don’t forget extra lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce for added flavor.

How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

To add more heat, include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the tacos before grilling.

Enjoy these delicious quesabirria tacos, a perfect blend of savory beef and melty cheese with a crispy exterior, bringing the flavors of Mexican street food right to your home!